The Shippensburg Woodwind Ensemble performed Sunday, kicking off the first of many in-person concerts for Shippensburg University musicians.

The clarinet choir opened the afternoon show, with the SU Alma Mater and Dukas’s “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice.” 

The two familiar tunes swallowed the auditorium immediately, and it was clear that the audience would be in for a treat.

Officials told the audience to take out their phones and scan a QR code which would play a certain sound corresponding with each section of the room. The effect was a unique and interesting soundscape, both calculated and random.

The saxophone choir took the stage next, playing “Mt. Nittany Mambo” by Rick Hirsch, “Come Sunday” by Duke Ellington, and closing their selections with the viral whaling song, “The Wellerman.”

The flute choir closed the concert with power, presenting a wide selection of tunes: “The Palladio section of Concerto Grosso for strings” by Karl Jenkins, “Over the Rainbow” by Harald Arlen, “The Magic Flute (In 5 Minutes)” by Mozart, “The Largo section of Concerto in G Major” by Domenico Cimarosa, and ending the daytime set with a Beatles medley. 

The ensembles recognized their graduating seniors, who expressed their gratitude for finally being able to perform at a show again. 

As I watched the concert, I was moved to tears on multiple occasions. I, and many other Shippensburg students and parents, have not attended a live musical performance in over a year. It was truly an incredible experience, making it feel as if it was my first time ever attending a concert. It was clear that all the woodwind ensembles were incredibly passionate and grateful from the outstanding performance they put together. 

Upcoming performances at H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center include:

• Sunday, April 18 at 3 p.m. - Orchestra & String Ensemble

• Monday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m. - Concert Choir & Madrigal Singers

• Sunday, May 2 at 3 p.m. - Concert Band & Wind Ensemble

• Tuesday, May 4 at 7:30 p.m. - Percussion Ensemble

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